rolex anD golf forever golf

Rolex is committed to the permanent quest for excellence in all its ­endeavours and has been a long-term supporter of golf in its pursuit of the same. The brand’s enduring relationship with the game began more than 50 years ago, in 1967, with Arnold Palmer, joined by Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player. Known together as The Big Three, these legendary players changed the face of golf forever, and their partnership with Rolex marked the beginning of a relationship based on a commitment to continu­ous improvement and unwavering precision. Since then, the affiliation between Rolex and golf has grown into one with a global reach. Rolex is now part of the very fabric of golf and supports the game at all levels, including elite players and legends of the game, Major cham- pionships, the foremost professional tours and the world’s leading team competitions. Rolex’s support for golf is governed by underlying values of integrity and respect for tradition that ensure the continuity of exper- tise and knowledge, while understanding the importance of investing in the development of the sport for future generations. As such, the Swiss watchmaker extends its support to amateur tournaments, international federations and organizations representing golfers of all ages. The as- sociation between Rolex and golf stands for quality, elegance, reliability and a pioneering spirit. 1 HISTORY of ROLEX AND GOLF p. 4 3ICONIC EVENTS p. 14

2ROLE X AT THE HEART OF GOLF p. 8 5PARTNERSHIPS AT EVERY LEVEL OF THE GAME p. 38

INDIVIDUAL 4EXCELLENCE p. 24

MEDIA CONTAC TS p. 44 menu 1 2 3 4 5 4 1 history of Rolex and golf

Spanning more than five decades, Rolex’s support for golf is one of the most enduring and successful partnerships in sport. Such longevity is a mark of the brand’s commitment to the ancient game. menu 1 2 3 4 5 history of rolex and golf 5

Arnold Palmer “The most rewarding things you do in life are often the ones that look like they cannot be done.”

Rolex’s enduring relationship with the game of golf began in 1967 with Arnold Palmer (US), joined by Jack Nicklaus (US) and Gary Player (South Africa). In the 1980s, Rolex added to its growing number­ of golf partners: prestigious tournaments, The Open and U.S. Open; and the guardians of the traditions and rules of the game, The R&A and USGA, as well as the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA). New partnerships with the Masters Tournament, The Ryder­ Cup and The European Tour were added in the 1990s, as well as ­selected talent, including Major winners Fred Couples (US), Phil ­Mickelson (US) and Annika Sörenstam (Sweden). Since 2000, the depth of the relationship has developed further and grown exponentially. Alongside the game’s legends and prodigious talents, Rolex now supports men’s and women’s golf across five continents, as well as tours, federations, organ- izations and competitions, reaching all golfers from junior to senior levels. In 2021, Rolex became the Official Partner and Official Timekeeper of the PGA of America and its flagship event, the PGA Championship, ensuring its presence at all four men’s Majors. menu 1 2 3 4 5 history of rolex and golf 6

ROLEX COUNTS MORE THAN 50 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP with the game of golf

1967 Rolex’s enduring relationship with 1997 golf was sealed by a pioneering Rolex becomes handshake with Arnold Palmer, Official Timekeeper who became the brand’s first golf of The European Tour Testimonee, joined by Jack Nicklaus 1986 and Gary Player – The Big Three Rolex becomes Official Timekeeper 1980 of the American Junior Golf 1994 Rolex becomes Association Rolex becomes 1999 a partner of the Rolex’s relationship Official Timekeeper USGA, the U.S. Open with the Masters of the Solheim Cup and the LPGA Tournament begins

1995 1981 Rolex becomes Rolex becomes a partner of The Ryder Cup The Open’s first European Team Official Timekeeper menu 1 2 3 4 5 history of rolex and golf 7

2003 2007 Rolex expands its support Rolex becomes Official ® for The Open by becoming Timekeeper of the PGA TOUR a Patron and the World Golf Championships 2017 The Rolex Series is launched in partnership with The European Tour

2006 Rolex becomes 2011 founding sponsor Rolex becomes of the Rolex Official Timekeeper Women’s World 2000 2004 of the Asian Tour Rolex establishes Golf Rankings Rolex partners 2021 a partnership with Rolex becomes the the Rules of Golf The Evian Masters Official Timekeeper (now the Amundi and Official Partner of Evian Championship) the PGA of America, its major championship: The PGA Championship 2012 and becomes Ryder Cup Rolex becomes the Worldwide Partner founding partner of the World Amateur Golf Ranking® and Presenting 2005 Sponsor of the Senior Rolex becomes Open Championship Official Timekeeper of the Presidents Cup™ menu 1 2 3 4 5 8 2 Role x at the heart of golf

Rolex and golf share a mutual appreciation for tradition and unfaltering precision, as well as a timeless emphasis on integrity, respect and elegance both on and off the course.

St Andrews Scotland the home of golf menu 1 2 3 4 5 rolex at the heart of golf 9

For more than 50 years, the bond between Rolex and competitions, as well as guardians of the global game golf has evolved through pivotal partnerships, which – ­organizations with the responsibility of advan­cing the have further cemented Rolex’s place at the heart of sport. From the R&A, the USGA and the PGA of America, the game. to the Masters, the PGA Tour®, The European Tour, the Rolex is supporting the development of golf LPGA and the Asian Tour, Rolex is ever-present. excellence worldwide at all levels through its associa- tions with gifted players, outstanding tournaments and menu 1 2 3 4 5 rolex at the heart of golf 10

partnerships with governing bodies

In 1980, Rolex became a significantly more visible ­presence in golf across the globe when it formed a new relationship with the USGA – organizer of the U.S. Open, one of golf’s ultimate tests. In 1981, Rolex clocks appeared on a tournament golf course for the first time, at Royal St George’s for The Open, the oldest golf championship in the world. This burgeoning tie with The R&A – organizer of this Major­ championship – marked a pivotal moment in Rolex’s re- lationship with golf that extended to the AIG Women’s Open. The forging of these early relationships showcased the brand’s commitment to the sport, founded­ on mutual respect, integrity and competitive spirit. Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said: “For 40 years Rolex has played an integral role in the rich history of The Open. Our unwavering relation- ship has actively supported the growth of the modern game and encouraged its development around the world and will continue to do so for years to come.” Together with the USGA, The R&A governs the sport of golf ­worldwide, sharing a commitment to a sin- gle code for the Rules of Golf, Rules of ­Amateur Status, the world handicapping system (launched in January 2020), and Equipment Standards. Rolex has been a

The Royal and Ancient clubhouse St Andrews Scotland menu 1 2 3 4 5 rolex at the heart of golf 11

Augusta National Golf Club PGA of America USGA Royal & Ancient

long-time supporter of these, and salutes the sporting ideals and traditions unique to the game. As Official Timekeeper for their respective champion- ships, Rolex keeps time throughout host venues for spectator and player convenience, but its support is far more extensive. In the 1990s, Rolex forged a relationship with the Masters, the first men’s Major championship of the year, staged annually at the majestic ­Augusta ­National Golf Club. Rolex also contributes to the advancement of the game through its support of the ­Masters Tournament Foundation­ – a charitable extension of the tournament­ that invests in development programmes worldwide, promoting the transfer of knowledge and exper- tise down the generations. In 2019, Rolex partnered the inaugural Augusta ­National Women’s Amateur Championship, featuring for the first time on the iconic Augusta ­National course, the world’s leading amateur women players. In 2021, Rolex became the Official Timekeeper and Official Partner of the PGA of America, organizer of the PGA Championship, supporting its efforts to grow interest and inclusion in the game of golf. Through this partnership Rolex is now present at all four men’s Majors, the pinnacle of achievement in the sport. Seth Waugh, CEO of the PGA of America, said: “We simply don’t sign agreements of this length and magnitude without supreme confi- The 2017 U.S. Open Erin Hills dence and comfort in our partner, which we certainly have with our friends US at Rolex. Their long-standing belief and support of golf has cultivated an aura of resiliency and trust within the game that is invaluable and, frankly, attractive for us to align with.” menu 1 2 3 4 5 rolex at the heart of golf 12

PARTNERSHIPS WITH PROFESSIONAL TOURS

In 1980, Rolex partnered the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). The LPGA has grown from its roots as a playing tour into a non-profit organization involved in every facet of golf. Rolex and the LPGA have a mutual respect for tradition and champion integrity, distinction and world-class performance. In 2007, Rolex became an official sponsor of the men’s PGA TOUR® – the Florida-based tour organizer­ that co-sanctions more than 130 professional golf The 2018 Tour Championship tournaments in North America and around the world, East Lake Golf Club including THE PLAYERS Championship, the World Cup US of Golf, the FedExCup, with its three FedExCup play- offs, and the biennial Presidents Cup™. menu 1 2 3 4 5 rolex at the heart of golf 13

In 2011, Rolex increased its international reach in golf by joining forces with the Asian Tour, the official body for professional golf in the region. The mission of the Asian Tour is to expand tournament golf in order to sub- stantially enhance the careers of its members, and with Rolex’s support, develop and grow golf in Asia while maintaining a commitment to the integrity of the game. Marking the 20th anniversary of Rolex’s partnership with The European Tour, the inaugural Rolex Series took place in 2017. The Rolex Series is the premium tour- nament category on the European Tour’s International Schedule and comprises the most prestigious events on the tour. Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the ­European THE DP World Tour Tour, said: “The Rolex Series features the highest Championship dubai quality golf on The European Tour and celebrates the uae international spirit of the game. We are tremendously proud to have Rolex as our partner and we thank them for their continued support.” menu 1 2 3 4 5 14 3 iconic events

Golf is a global sport. Every year the game’s grandest occasions take place at venues in all corners of the world.

Rolex’s ties with the pinnacle of golf are embodied in its patronage of all Major tournaments, tournaments, team competitions and other world-class events that offer an evolving menu of new challenges and opportunities.

Pebble Beach Golf Links Pebble Beach US menu 1 2 3 4 5 iconic events 15

Rolex: global golfing excellence

The Majors team competitions world-class events

THE MASTERS the ryder cup World Golf Championships augusta, UNITED STATES Various locations in Europe various locations in china and the United States and the united states PGA Championship Various locations PRESIDENTS cup™ The Rolex Series in the United States Various locations around various locations the world, EXCLUDING europe the Open the players championship Various locations Solheim Cup Ponte Vedra Beach, in THE UNITED KINGDOM Various locations in europe UNITED STATES and the united states U.S. Open FedExCup Playoffs Various locations various locations in the united states in the united states

ana inspiration rancho mirage, UNITED STATES

KPMG Women’s PGA Championship Various locations in the united states

U.S. Women’s Open Various locations in the united states

AIG Women’s Open Various locations in the United Kingdom

The Amundi Evian Championship Évian-les-Bains, France menu 1 2 3 4 5 iconic events 16

the majors

Arnold Palmer wrote in his autobiography, A Golfer’s Life, that he and a friend in 1960 devised a modern “Grand Slam of Golf” with four Major championships, including two he had already won that year – the Masters­ and the U.S. Open – plus two he hoped to win, The Open and the PGA Championship. Since then, these tournaments have marked the peak of individual excellence in golf. To win a Major is to be counted among the legends of the game. The season-opening Major, the Masters, which Rolex has partnered since 1999, is unique among the four as it is an invitational event and is staged at the the MASTERS Augusta same venue every year – the pristine Augusta National US Golf Club in Georgia, US. This revered tournament is renowned for its colourful, azalea-lined course, the am- ateur golfing spirit of the tournament’s founder Bobby Jones, and for the symbolic Green Jacket presented to The U.S. Open has been the scene of many of golf’s the winner. This coveted garment represents a lifetime signature moments, created by legends of the sport invitation to participate in the Masters, according to at iconic venues across the United States. Rolex has tournament tradition. In 2021 Rolex became the Official been Official Timekeeper of the U.S. Open since 1980 Partner and Official Timekeeper of the second men’s and the U.S. Women’s Open since 2003. The origins Major of the year, the PGA Championship. Staged in of the U.S. Open date back to 1895 when the inau- May at some of the most iconic golfing venues across gural championship was played at Newport Country the United States, the championship dates back to 1916 Club. Conducted annually in June by the USGA, the and invites a professionals-only field to compete for the tournament features the game’s best amateurs and Wanamaker Trophy. ­professionals, vying for the coveted U.S. Open Trophy. menu 1 2 3 4 5 iconic events 17

the 148TH OPEN, 2019 Royal Portrush Golf Club Northern Ireland

At The Open, where Rolex has been Official Timekeeper Golf has been played at this historic town for more than since 1981 and the Premier Partner since 2018, golfers 600 years. Today, players from around the globe travel The Masters compete for one of the oldest prizes in sport, the Claret to play on the most prestigious golf course in the world: Jug. Now the last Major of the year, the event was the Old Course at St Andrews. The Royal and Ancient PGA Championship founded by pioneering golfers in the United Kingdom Golf Club of St Andrews, which later created The R&A, U.S. Open who had one guiding principle – to crown the ­champion was founded there in 1754. Together with the USGA, golfer of the year. Since 1860, The Open has been The R&A governs the game worldwide, outside of the The Open played at some of the most cherished links courses, United States and Mexico, with the consent of 156 including Royal Birkdale, Carnoustie, Royal Liverpool, ­organizations from amateur and professional golf. The Royal Lytham & St Annes, Royal Portrush, Prestwick, famous Old Course and its neighbouring courses are pre- Royal St George’s, Royal Troon, as well as at the home sided over by the St Andrews Links Trust (SALT), which of golf, St Andrews. is a partner of Rolex. menu 1 2 3 4 5 iconic events 18

the Amundi Evian Championship Évian-les-Bains France menu 1 2 3 4 5 iconic events 19

ANA Inspiration KPMG Women’s PGA Championship U.S. Women’s Open The Amundi Evian Championship AIG Women’s Open

THE ana inspiration rancho mirage us

As a long-standing supporter of golf, Rolex is also Founded in 1955, the event now named the KPMG played. Since 2000, Rolex has been a Main Partner of Official Timekeeper of the five Majors in women’s Women’s PGA Championship is the second longest­- the event, whose honour roll of past winners includes professional golf. These are: the ANA ­Inspiration, running tournament in the history of the LPGA after the Testimonees Annika Sörenstam (2000, 2002), fellow KPMG Women’s PGA Championship,­ U.S. Women’s U.S. Women’s Open, which was established in 1946. Swede Anna Nordqvist (2017) and Ko (2015). During Open, AIG Women’s­ Open and The Amundi Evian The AIG Women’s Open was established in 1976 to the tournament, The Prize for a Better Tomorrow Championship. The ANA Inspiration is the year’s honour women’s growing presence in the sport, and presented by Rolex is awarded. The prize recognizes first women’s Major, having been given that sta- since 2017, The R&A has been responsible for staging initiatives linked to women’s golf that champion ex- tus in 1983. It takes place at the same venue each the event, marking a progressive and important­ step in cellence, generosity and continuity, qualities dear to year – the Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho the development of women’s golf. this event and Rolex. The inaugural recipient in 2019 Mirage, California. Rolex ­Testimonee Lexi Thompson Held annually at the glorious Evian Resort Golf was Lorena Ochoa, a former World No. 1 and two- (US) won her maiden Major here in 2014, while fel- Club in France, overlooking Lake Geneva, The Amundi time Major winner, for her work with underprivileged low ­Testimonee Lydia Ko (New ­Zealand) won this Evian Championship became the fifth women’s Major children in her native Mexico. ­prestigious title in 2016. in 2013, nearly 20 years after the tournament was first

menu 1 2 3 4 5 iconic events 20

team competitions

Beyond the regular tour schedules, a selection of team competitions invite golfers to put aside their individual pursuits to compete for their country or their conti- nent, and for the gratification that comes through the joining of forces. These events attract huge crowds and a passionate following. Rolex partners The Ryder Cup, a biennial match launched in 1927 that is now contested by teams from the United States and Europe, hosted alternate- ly by the PGA of America and Ryder Cup Europe. The partnership began in 1995, when the European team exemplified the values of respect and integrity, echoing Rolex’s values, to lift the first of two consecutive titles, the second being the famous victory at Valderrama Golf the 2018 ryder cup Paris Club, Spain, in 1997. Since 2014, whenever The Ryder France Cup has been played on European soil, Rolex has stood as the event’s sponsor, in addition to sponsoring the Eu- ropean team at every edition of the competition. From 2021, Rolex extends its support to becoming a spon- sor at all editions of The Ryder Cup, in Europe and the earlier that summer at The Open had become the “The engraved watch Rolex presents to members United States, beginning at Whistling Straits where the first Italian to win a Major, having also claimed his of the European Ryder Cup team is very special,” European team will seek to defend the title they won in first Rolex Series win. says Martin Kaymer, the German golfer, who played Paris. At the 42nd Ryder Cup in 2018, the Rolex family Molinari made history in Paris, becoming the in the victorious European teams in 2010, 2012 and made a telling contribution to Team Europe’s triumph. first European to win five out of five matches at 2014. “That watch is something to treasure, to hand Led by non-playing captain Thomas Bjørn, fellow Tes- The ­Ryder Cup. The Testimonee went on to finish down to your grandchildren one day. It is a fantastic timonees going head-to-head with Team USA included the season­ on a high by winning the European Tour reminder that, as a golfer, you have achieved some- Paul Casey and Jon Rahm. However, no golfer’s per- Race to Dubai and ­being named the 2018 European thing very special – you have been selected as one formance that week matched Francesco Molinari, who Tour Golfer of the Year. of the best players to represent all of Europe.” menu 1 2 3 4 5 iconic events 21

The Ryder Cup Presidents Cup™ Solheim Cup

Rolex is also a key supporter of women’s team golf. Since 1994, it has been a partner of the Solheim Cup, the women’s intercontinental challenge be- tween teams of professionals from the United States and Europe.­ In 2017, Swedish Rolex Testimonee and ­10-time Major winner, Annika Sörenstam, followed her fellow countrywoman Carin Koch to captain Team Europe. The Presidents Cup™, organized by the PGA TOUR®, was first contested in 1994, and Rolex be- came the Official Timekeeper in 2005. This event is contested biennially by teams of 12 outstanding golfers, one from the United States, the other an international selection from the rest of the world, excluding Europe. Most recently, Rolex Testimonee Tiger Woods guided Lexi Thompson & Brittany the US team to victory at the 2019 edition in Melbourne, Altomare VS Georgia Hall & Céline Boutier where the American became just the second playing The Solheim Cup 2019, captain in the tournament’s history. The PGA Centenary Course Rolex added the World Cup of Golf to its team GLENEAGLES SCOTLAND competition roster in 2013, when the tournament was won by Team Australia, made up of Rolex Testimonees Jason Day and Adam Scott. menu 1 2 3 4 5 iconic events 22

world class events

2019 bmw pga championship WENTWORTH CLUB england

The four annual World Golf Championships, of tournaments are considered by golfers to be second in season-long points competition ­culminating in three which Rolex has been Official Timekeeper since stature only to the Majors. play-off events. 2007, are: the Mexico­ Championship®, the Dell As part of its relationship with the PGA Launched in 2017, the 20th anniversary of the Technologies Match Play, the FedEx­ St. Jude Invita- TOUR®, Rolex is also associated with THE ­PLAYERS brand’s partnership with the European Tour, the Rolex tional and the HSBC Champions. Co-sanctioned by Champion­ship, which takes place annually at the home Series is the premium tournament category on the the PGA TOUR®, The European Tour, the Asian Tour, of the PGA TOUR®, THE PLAYERS Stadium­ Course ­European Tour’s International Schedule and comprises the Japan­ Golf Tour, the PGA Tour of Australasia and at TPC Sawgrass, Florida. With its signature island the most prestigious events on the tour. This elite col- the Sunshine Tour, these events have been ­contested green, the 17th is one of the most ­recognized golf lection of events delivers the highest quality golf, played on five continents and in more than 10 countries. holes in the world. In 2007, the PGA TOUR® ­entered at iconic locations in the global spirit of the game. Given the strength of the fields competing, these a new era with the introduction of the FedExCup, a menu 1 2 3 4 5 iconic events 23

The 2017 WGC - Mexico Championship Club de Golf Chapultepec Mexico menu 1 2 3 4 5 24 4 individual excellence

The history of golf has been marked by the inspirational performances of some of the world’s greatest players.

For more than 50 years, Rolex has partnered the finest players of every era, from players of every era, from ­Arnold Palmer and his fellow members of The Big Three, namely Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, to today’s New Guard of exceptional golfing talent. menu 1 2 3 4 5 individual excellence 25

the big three

Gary Player “When one of us won, the other two would put out their hand and say ‘well done, you beat me today, but I’ll get you tomorrow’.”

Arnold Palmer quickly established himself as the first with sublime skill and tireless endeavour wherever they victory achieved through proper means was fundamen- great of the modern game, a man who went on to se- played. Player secured nine Major wins while Nicklaus’s tal. These men were the embodiment of fair play, as cure seven Major titles and, in the process, introduce haul of 18 is unsurpassed. Nicklaus demonstrated at the 1969 Ryder Cup, when golf to generations of new enthusiasts. To term the three of them rivals is to understate he conceded a putt to tie the competition. This noble Rolex’s special relationship with golf started in their relationship. While always fierce competitors sporting gesture marked the invention of the conces- 1967 with Palmer, joined by Jack Nicklaus and Gary on the fairways, the trio’s bond was characterized by sion, a trait that remains to this day one of the most Player. The Big Three were legends of the game who mutual admiration, support and respect. They formed admired in sport. changed the face of golf forever. For the best part of an unspoken, natural partnership to promote the val- two decades, this towering trio challenged each ­other ues of golf to a wider and growing public. For them, menu 1 2 3 4 5 individual excellence 26

That was The Big Three’s greatest legacy to the game: the absolute adherence to the higher principles of good sporting conduct, honour and integrity.

“What comes to mind with Arnold and Jack is that we wanted to win so badly,” recalls Player. “But at the same time, when one of us won, the other two would put out their hand and say ‘well done, you beat me today but I’ll get you tomorrow’.” The gentlemanly intent at the heart of their ­rivalry was given magnificent expression in the 2003 ­Presidents Cup™ in Fancourt, South Africa. When the match between­ the USA and the International teams finished in a tie, a playoff ensued in the rapidly fading light. After three holes the two sides remained level. Rather than extend the contest into an extra day, the two team captains agreed, in an unprecedented move, that the trophy would be shared that year. Their names? Jack Nicklaus Nicklaus and Player. the 1973 Ryder Cup Muirfield Scotland menu 1 2 3 4 5 individual excellence 27

Adam Scott the 2013 Masters

MAJOR WINNERS

The family of Rolex Testimonees have many common and reach the highest echelons of the sport thanks to first words, “I guess… hello world?”, couldn’t have been characteristics. Like the Swiss watchmaker, they share the support they have received from the company. more appropriate as this pre-eminent talent embarked on a passion for excellence, a steely ambition to be the The best measure of any golfer’s achievements is a career­ that would change the world of golf forever. best they can be and to constantly improve their game. their Major count. Numerous Rolex Testimonees have Woods signalled a renaissance in 2018 when he They are part of an unbreakable bond that stretches won multiple Majors, but only one man has come close challenged at two of the Majors before winning The TOUR back more than 50 years, to the brand’s seminal part- to Nicklaus’s tally of 18. Eldrick “Tiger” Woods. A prodi- Championship. But in 2019, the American ­completed nership with Arnold Palmer. Since that time, many of gious amateur golfer, the American announced his arrival one of the most remarkable comebacks in the history of the sport’s brightest talents have been able to mature in the professional ranks at a news conference in 1996. His sport when, aged 43, he once again tamed the famous­ menu 1 2 3 4 5 individual excellence 28

Tiger Woods “I was very fortunate to be given another chance to do something that I love to do.”

THE MOST SUCCESSFUL, INFLUENTIAL GOLFER OF HIS GENERATION IS ONCE AGAIN A MAJOR WINNER – AT THE AGE OF 43

Augusta National Golf Club course to capture his fifth Masters title. A 15th Major – his first in 11 years – spoke volumes for his resilience and determination, of his perpetual quest for excellence even after injuries had threatened to derail his career. His enduring powers – an ability to overcome adversity, along with peerless skills and dedication to his craft – have captivated the golfing world for almost a quarter of a century. Later that year, at the 2019 ZOZO Championship in Japan, Woods secured his record-equalling 82nd PGA TOUR® victory, yet another milestone in a fabulously successful career. At his first Major as a professional, the Masters in 1997, Woods became the tournament’s youngest winner, setting the 72-hole scoring record. Like The Big Three before him, Woods proceeded to inspire millions of golfers around the world. As one of just five golfers to tiger woods THE 2019 MASTERS have won a Career Grand Slam, he alone has held all four Majors simultaneously – the “Tiger Slam” – after win- ning the U.S. Open, The Open and PGA Championship­ in 2000, followed by the 2001 Masters. menu 1 2 3 4 5 individual excellence 29

Annika Sörenstam “Women’s golf has always been a second thought in a lot of companies’ minds but not in Rolex’s mind. They’ve been there from the beginning and supported the game at different levels.”

ANNIKA SÖRENSTAM The 2001 Standard Register Ping

While Tiger Woods, this once-in-a-lifetime talent, was dominating the men’s game, another was doing so in women’s golf. Annika Sörenstam is undoubtedly one of the greatest female golfers in history. The Swede claimed 10 Major titles over 12 years, won 72 LPGA ­tournaments and, after becoming only the second ­woman to be named Rolex Player of the Year the year after being named Rolex Rookie of the Year, Sörenstam went on to earn a record eight Rolex Player of the Year Awards. The only female player to card a 59 in compe- tition, Sörenstam also holds the record for the lowest scoring average for a season: 68.6969 in 2004. Such was her dominance of the sport that in 2003 she was invited to tee up in a PGA TOUR® event.

Phil Mickelson the 2004 Masters menu 1 2 3 4 5 individual excellence 30

The Rolex family of Testimonees includes many other­ ­giants of the sport, including Tom Watson, who won eight Majors, including five Opens, over a long and illustrious ­career. Fellow American Phil Mickelson is another player who has displayed impressive longevity. The most successful golf- er to play left-handed turned profes­sional in 1992 and has more than 50 wins to his name, including five Majors. Through a combination of creativ­ ity, skill and precision from close to the green, Mickelson is ­regarded as ­owning the best short game of any golfer. Brooks Koepka Other Rolex Testimonees with Major wins to their name include:­ the 2018 u.s. Open two-time Masters champions Bernhard Langer (Germany) and José María Olazábal (Spain); American Fred Couples, who won the Masters in 1992;

two-time U.S. Open winners Retief Goosen (SouthAfrica) and Curtis Strange (US); two-time Major winner Martin Kaymer (Germany); the first Australian to win the Masters, Adam Scott; Jordan Spieth, a Texan with three Major championships, including two won consecutively in 2015; Australian Jason Day, who also won his first Major in 2015, namely the PGA Championship; two-time Major winner Lorena Ochoa (Mexico); Lexi Thompson from Florida, winner of the 2015 ANA Inspiration; and New Zealand’s Lydia Ko, the youngest golfer to be a two-time Major winner and World No. 1. In 2017, Swede Anna Nordqvist claimed her second Major at The Amundi Evian Championship, as Americans Justin Thomas and Brooks Koepka captured their first. Koepka followed this by successfully defending the U.S. Open in 2018 – the first player to do so since fellow Testimonee Curtis Strange. Koepka went on to win his third career Major in the same year, ­helping earn him the PGA TOUR® Player of the Year award. At the 2019 PGA Championship, he would go on to win his fourth Major in nine attempts, reclaim the World No. 1 ranking and become the first man to successfully defend two Major titles. Most recently, Bryson Brooke Henderson HSBC Women’s World Championship DeChambeau joined the elite ranks of Major winners when he captured the 2019 2020 U.S. Open. With this victory, the American followed in the footsteps of fellow Testimonees Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the only players to win the U.S. Amateur, individual NCAA (university) and U.S. Open titles. menu 1 2 3 4 5 individual excellence 31

Justin Thomas on the 9th fairway the 2019 u.s. Open menu 1 2 3 4 5 individual excellence 32

team leaders

Rolex is a leader in its field, an innovator and pioneer in the Swiss watchmaking industry, qualities common among the company’s family of golf Testimonees. This is especially true of a select group of golfers who have been at the vanguard of their sport throughout their playing careers and have continued to lead the way as captains at the game’s most compelling team events: The Ryder Cup, Presidents Cup™ and Solheim Cup. Such were his enduring leadership qualities over four decades, Arnold Palmer earned three victories from his three captaincies – at The Ryder Cup in 1963 and 1975 plus the 1996 Presidents Cup™. Subsequently, fellow Rolex Testimonees Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Bernhard Langer, Fred Couples, Colin Montgomerie (Scotland), José María Olazábal, Paul McGinley (Republic of Ireland), ­Steve Stricker (US), Thomas Bjørn (Denmark), and most recently Tiger Woods, have each led triumphant Ryder Cup or Presidents­ Cup™ teams. In 2021, Pádraig Harrington from the Republic of Ireland will take up the mantle to lead the European team when it defends the title against a United States selection captained by fellow Testimonee Stricker.

The 2014 Ryder Cup PAUL MCGINLEY AND HIS TEAM EUROPE CELEBRATE VICTORY menu 1 2 3 4 5 individual excellence 33

A select group has continued to lead the way as captains at team events.

As these team trophies have grown in stature and popularity with players across the globe, so too has the responsibility for leading the sides to glory. In all, 12 Rolex Testimonees have led teams of pre-eminent golfers to victory, while upholding the best sporting The 2018 Ryder Cup EUROPEAN TEAM CAPTAIN THOMAS BJØRN traditions. In 2018, Thomas Bjørn, the first European HOLDING THE TROPHY team Ryder Cup captain from Denmark, reclaimed the Samuel Ryder Trophy in a thrilling contest at Le Golf National,­ Paris. menu 1 2 3 4 5 individual excellence 34

the 2018 ryder cup Paris France menu 1 2 3 4 5 individual excellence 35

ROLEX NEW GUARD

youth talen t excellence Joaquín Niemann

MatThew Wolff

There is a flourishing group of young, ambitious ­golfers striding the world stage, playing with integrity and re- spect, supreme skill and precision. They are the Rolex New Guard, a new generation of competitors who, like The Big Three before them, are asserting their authority

Cameron Champ on the sport and in doing so, inspiring future generations­ of athletes to follow them.

Maria Fassi menu 1 2 3 4 5 individual excellence 36

respectful fierce modern

Born in the 1990s, these prodigiously talented golfers­ are making their mark on the professional scene after outstanding amateur careers. The group com- prises: long-­hitting American Cameron Champ, who has already recorded two PGA TOUR® wins; Joaquín Niemann, the Chilean who topped the World Amateur Golf Ranking® for 44 weeks and who captured his first professional win in September 2019; another American,­ the former college champion Matthew Wolff, who won his first PGA TOUR® event in July 2019; and in Martin Kaymer the women’s game, Mexico’s Maria Fassi, runner-up The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at the inaug­ural Augusta National Women’s Amateur 2020 Championship in 2019 before turning professional, and Swiss No. 1 ­Albane Valenzuela. menu 1 2 3 4 5 individual excellence 37

determined precise decent

The Rolex family of golf Testimonees boasts a group of former New Guard members who can now count them- selves among today’s champions, men and women­ united in their continuous quest for excellence. Their num- ber includes women’s Major winners Brooke Henderson of Canada, New Zealand’s Lydia Ko and American Lexi Thompson, as well as multiple men’s Major winners Brooks Koepka and Jordan Spieth, along with their fellow Americans and Major winners Justin Thomas and Bryson DeChambeau. Other Testimonees among the leading lights of the men’s professional circuit include Spaniard Jon Rahm, who has claimed six European Tour titles, in- cluding four Rolex Series events, in addition to five PGA TOUR® wins, along with ­England’s Matthew Fitzpatrick, China’s Haotong Li, Hideki Matsuyama of Japan and Belgian duo Thomas Detry and Thomas Pieters. In a game in which standards, ethics and ­principles are passed down over decades, these new waves of elite golfers are proud to share links with The Big Three. Such is their respect for the heritage of the game, they know what it means to be named alongside the giants of the sport. From The Big Three to the New Guard and today’s cham- lexi Thompson The Amundi Evian Championship pions, the continuity is seamless. “Golf goes through cycles,” says Annika Sörenstam, former Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings No. 1. “There is certainly a new ­generation emerging and I feel golf is in good hands.” menu 1 2 3 4 5 38 5 PARTNERSHIPS AT EVERY LEVEL OF THE GAME

Rolex is deeply committed at every level of the game, an association that encompasses young amateurs, professionals competing in elite-level tournaments and senior players possessing the wisdom of long-standing winners.

The partnerships have evolved over a period of more than half a century. They now extend from associations that foster talent at grassroots level to the institutions that guard the finest traditions and the Rules of Golf, and lead the game’s development worldwide. Rolex extends its support to junior and amateur ranks where emerging talent is nurtured because it acknowledges the importance of investing in the devel- opment of golf for the future, to ensure expertise and knowledge are transferred down the generations. menu 1 2 3 4 5 partnerships at every level of the game 39

jordan spieth the 2011 walker cup

JUNIOR, AMATEUR AND SENIOR GOLF

Since 1986, Rolex has been a Premier Partner of the 24 U.S. Amateur Championships and 24 U.S. Women’s leading amateur team competitions, the Arnold Palmer American Junior Golf Association (AJGA), an organ- Amateur Championships. Cup, Walker Cup, Curtis Cup and World Amateur Team ization dedicated to the development of young men Rolex is deeply committed to the ­amateur game, Championship. and women who aspire to earn college golf scholar- and is a partner of important amateur tournaments As part of this support at all levels of the game – ships through competitive junior golf. AJGA alumni across the globe, including the ground-breaking including for players aged 50 and over – Rolex also has who are now part of the Rolex family of Testimonees ­Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship a long-standing relationship with the U.S. Senior Open include: Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth, launched in 2019, The British Amateur Championship, Championship and, since 2012, with The Senior Open Cameron Champ, Justin Thomas, Joaquín Niemann, U.S. Amateur Championship, European Amateur Cham- Championship presented by Rolex. Rickie Fowler, Lexi Thompson and Lorena Ochoa. Over pionship, Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship and Latin the course of the partnership, AJGA alumni have won ­America Amateur Championship. Rolex supports the menu 1 2 3 4 5 partnerships at every level of the game 40

FEDERATIONS WORLDWIDE

As the game grows across the globe, so it requires sus- Fédération française de golf, Association Suisse de Golf, tained high-quality organization – which is why Rolex is Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation, China Golf Association, also a loyal supporter of federations at every level of Indian Golf Union and European Golf Association play a the game worldwide. Bodies such as the Asociación critical role in the development of the sport and enjoy Argentina de Golf, Confederação Brasileira de Golfe, Rolex’s backing in all their endeavours.

The Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship trophy menu 1 2 3 4 5 partnerships at every level of the game 41

RULES AND RANKINGS

Rolex’s involvement with The R&A, USGA, LPGA and Matsuyama, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Jon Rahm, Ko and clarifying the intricacies of the game, the Rules of Golf AJGA extends to important touchpoints for golfers Brooke Henderson. reinforce the importance of etiquette,­ with an entire across the globe, including world rankings for wom- Since 2017, the AJGA has had its own rankings section dedicated to the topic. en and amateurs, as well as the Rules of Golf. The system, the Rolex AJGA Rankings to help fill tourna- Following a thorough consultation process in 2019, Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings is the first com- ment fields, including the ANA Junior Inspiration and the Rules of Golf have been modernized to reflect the prehensive rankings system for women’s golf as well Junior Presidents Cup. Past winners of the Rolex Junior­ nature of the game and how it is played in the 21st cen- as for the foremost LPGA Tour players past and pres- Player of the Year award include Phil Mickelson and tury. But even with these changes, the same traditional ent, from living legends Annika Sörenstam and Lorena­ ­Tiger Woods. values that have been maintained through centuries of Ochoa, to the youngest World No. 1, Lydia Ko. Rolex has been a partner of the Rules of Golf since play remain at the heart of the game. Such values res- The World Amateur Golf Ranking® was established 2004, supporting their translation and global distri- onate strongly with Rolex’s own. There is a mutual in 2007 for male golfers, and women were added in 2011. bution to help ensure golfers across the world under- appreciation for tradition and heritage, as well as a time- Golfers who have topped these and gone on to succeed stand and appreciate the game’s nuances. The Rules less emphasis on respect and sporting behaviour. in the professional game include Rickie Fowler (2015 of Golf have been published every four years since PLAYERS Championship winner), Jordan Spieth, Hideki 1952 and affect every golfer on the planet. As well as menu 42

Rolex and golf

Rolex supports the most prestigious events, players and organizations in golf and also encourages the development of the game worldwide through its involvement in amateur and junior ranks. The brand is a key presence at men’s and women’s Majors and at leading team events, namely The Ryder Cup, the Solheim Cup and the Presidents Cup™. Its contribution to excellence in golf is based on a rich heritage stretching back more than 50 years, starting in 1967 with Arnold Palmer, joined by fellow members of The Big Three, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player. After this legendary trio blazed a trail by popularizing the game globally, modern-day legend Tiger Woods has successfully followed in their footsteps and helped the sport soar to new heights. Today’s champions and fellow Major winners Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas and Brooke Henderson, among other Testimonees, have maintained this legacy of excellence, while members of the New Guard, represented by the likes of Joaquín Niemann and Maria Fassi, have the qualities to do likewise when their time comes. Throughout this enduring partnership, Rolex has championed both innovation and respect for the traditions and spirit of the ancient game. menu 43

Golf and Rolex: More than 50 years and counting…

THE 2014 RYDER CUP GLENEAGLES UK menu 44

MEDIA CONTACTS

Rolex SA Virginie Chevailler [email protected] +41 22 302 26 19

rEvolution Merrick Haydon [email protected] +44 7748 186 833

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